Blog Post: Midsummer Magic at Miss Moonshine’s Emporium

Are you ready to meet Miss Moonshine? Life may never be the same again…

It’s summer in Haven Bridge and Miss Moonshine is getting ready for a busy season. From the window of her Wonderful Emporium, at the heart of the pretty Yorkshire town, she watches and waits, weaving plans to bring happiness to all who step through her door. For Miss Moonshine is no ordinary shopkeeper. She may not have what you want, but she will always have what you need…

Nine romantic novelists from Yorkshire and Lancashire, including best-selling and award-winning authors, have joined together to create this anthology of uplifting stories guaranteed to warm your heart. This magical collection of contemporary romances will make you laugh, cry and wish for a Miss Moonshine in your own life.

Purchase Links
UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Midsummer-Magic-Miss-Moonshines-Emporium-ebook/dp/B094W5FVWF/
US - https://www.amazon.com/Midsummer-Magic-Miss-Moonshines-Emporium-ebook/dp/B094W5FVWF/

Review

In the town of Haven Bridge is a little second-hand shop run by an eccentric old woman. You might not find what you're looking for, but you will find what you need - especially if what you need is love! This is a charming anthology of short, sweet romances, tied together by a little old lady who might just be magic.

Each story is a perfect bite-sized morsel filled with a range of main characters and themes (non-spoilery synopses ahead, skip if you want to go in fresh!):

We start with A Glitch in Time where some of Miss Moonshine's more overt magic helps Nicola gain a new perspective on life. I loved seeing the different reactions and how they each adjusted.

Second is Caught Red Handed, where a very bad beginning at Miss Moonshine's somehow leads to the best time. Eventually. There's a hilarious scene with fruit, which is all I will say without spoilers.

Next is the gorgeous Three Butterflies, an opposites attract where uptight perfumier Olivier must share a houseboat with free spirit Tamsin.

One of my favourites is GU1909, about a woman who runs a mechanics, overshadowed by grief. I loved the unconventional setting and Maddie's delight in the old car.

The Secret of Greymoor Hall is a fun treasure hunt of a story and a love letter to antiques as Miss Moonshine pulls off one of her bigger miracles.

The bittersweet The Treasure Seekers also investigates grief and how what you want might not be what you need.

In Ginny's Ghost, idle conversation with a friend leads to great inconvenience for baker Ginny, whose delectable creations almost floated off the page (I wish!).

Another of my favourites is I Shall Wear Purple, about a widow, abandoned in a rest home after her children convinced her to sell up. I really liked this second chance romance with older leads.

Finally, Music, Love, and Other Languages is a lovely story about the joy and universality of music.

If you're looking for some low-conflict, high-sweetness romance to brighten your day, please give this a go!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Rachel's Random Resources; all opinions are my own

Author Bio

The nine Miss Moonshine authors – Mary Jayne Baker, Sophie Claire, Jacqui Cooper, Helena Fairfax, Kate Field, Melinda Hammond, Marie Laval, Helen Pollard and Angela Wren – meet up regularly in the little mill town of Hebden Bridge, on the border between the counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire – hence their group name, Authors on the Edge. This picturesque town, home to many writers, artists and musicians, was the inspiration for their magical character Miss Moonshine, and their uplifting series of anthologies featuring romance and happy endings.